Free Background Check Instructions

Texas Criminal Background Check

A Texas criminal background check can be performed by an individual or company by using the Department of Safety (DPS) website and setting up an account. Any individual who has been arrested is subject to have this information released to a potential employer as long as it occurred within the last seven (7) years. Felonies remain on a person’s record for life. If the position for employment has an annual salary of more than $75,000, the individual or company performing the search may go as far back as necessary in their search.

Step 1 – Background Check Authorization Form

If the background check is being executed by a third-party consumer reporting agency, the individual that is being searched must grant consent. This is a 1-Page document that must include the Fair Credit Reporting Act Disclosure if a credit report is also being generated. Once the form has been signed by the applicant, the employer may perform the check.

Step 2 – Texas DPS or a 3rd Party

The following two (2) options are available for performing a background check:

☑ – Click the checkbox to agree to their Terms and Conditions and you will be allowed to perform a search.

Step 4 – Select Type of Record to Search

Select which type of search you would like to perform:

Yours – Search of your own personal criminal history

Someone Else – Search another individual’s criminal history

Click Continue after making your selection.

Step 5 – Enter Personal Details

Enter the following information in the empty fields to specify the subject of the search:

First Name – Required

Last Name – Required

Birth Date – Year, Month, Day

Afterwards, click Continue to proceed.

Step 6 – Purchase Credits

According to the DPS FAQ Webpage, the State requires one (1) credit to perform a search. Each credit costs $3 plus a fee of 2.25% and another $0.25 transaction fee (totalling $3.32). The $0.25 transaction fee is for every transaction and is not based on how many credits purchased, therefore, it is most advantageous to buy as many credits as possible.

Step 7 – View Information

At this time, you will be able to view the full criminal history for the last seven (7) years.

Past Employers Reference – It is recommended that the background check be complimented by a reference of previous employer(s). This is to verify the character of the individual and to ensure that they will benefit the new company with an accommodating workplace.